Blue-White Weekend is almost upon us and it’s never too early to start chanting “We Are” everywhere you go.
It’s also never too early to start preparing for the tailgates that are as arguably just as much fun as the football games. Tailgates are a time for friends, family and brothers to celebrate the Nittany pride and love together.
The following is a list of tailgate must-haves in order for you to fully enjoy the last spring practice of the season.
Tailgater Beer from Happy Valley Brewing Co.
What better way to celebrate the start of the 2018 football season than by drinking Happy Valley Brewing’s Tailgater? The Tailgater: American Pale Ale is the company’s new twist on the customer favorite Pale Ale. This “twist” is all about the passionate blast of flavor from fresh blood orange purée, paired with bright citrusy hop aroma and a dry, refreshing finish. Cheer on for the Lions with the beer as strong and as quality as the team itself.
Grilled Stickies
Ye Old College Diner Grilled Stickies are always, always necessary. These grilled sticky buns are made fresh daily at multiple locations including the Creamery, McLanahan’s and Ye Old College Diner. Crunchy on the outside and sweetly soft on the inside, these warm, delicious stickies can’t be passed up when it comes to tailgating.
Napkins, plates and utensils
It sounds like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people resort to using knives to eat their salads when they run out of utensils, or how many people use their pants and T-shirts as napkins when there are no more left. Make sure to get more than you think you need!
Herlocher’s Dipping Mustard
Can you taste it already? That juicy hamburger? That sizzling hot dog? Make sure to top your meats with the best dipping mustard in State College: Herlocher’s Dipping Mustard. Known to be both “sweet and rough,” this mustard has a long history behind it. In the winter of 1978, at the Train Station in State College, customers raved about the mustard at the bar. They demanded for some to take home and soon stores across the Northeast began selling the dip that is locally made by a family recipe from the old country. Be a part of history and down your burger or dog with this mouthwatering treat.
PSU Summer Sausage
The Creamery is home to quality products that aren’t just ice cream related. This branch of the College of Agricultural Sciences also makes specialty summer sausages that you can very much enjoy at your tailgate. Order online, or at the Creamery itself, a savory sausage meant to be the life of the party for sandwiches, salads and any antipasto.
Delicious Creamery cheeses
Speaking of the Creamery, being more than just an ice cream joint, indulge in its many authentic, fresh cheeses. Options range from mozzarella cheese, muenster cheese, parmesan cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, savory onion cheese, blue cheese, grated Romano, Baby Swiss — the works! Grind some cheese over pasta, cut a slice for a cheeseburger, eat on the side as a snack between hot dogs … the options are as limitless as the variety of cheeses themselves.
Folding chairs
Again, bring more than you think you need. You never know! Your tailgate might become a huge hit and more people will need a place to sit.
Games, games, games
Spice up your tailgate with some fun games for the fam! Whether it’s a PSU Frisbee being tossed around, a game of Ring Toss, KanJam and Spikeball, or a good ol’ fashioned Monkey-in-the-Middle situation, share some laughs and healthy competition on a day when Penn State football prepares for theirs.
Coolers
It seems self-explanatory, but these are definitely a tailgate essential. Store your beer and your drinks in ice to always keep yourself cool and refreshed for the big game!
Fresh fruits, vegetables and more
If you’re looking to make a salad, buy tomatoes and lettuce for your burgers, or even have some fruit for dessert, make sure to buy local! The Downtown State College Indoor Market that is held in the lobby of the State College Municipal Building on Fridays, is home to a variety of healthy and fresh fruits and veggies perfect for your tailgate, as well as other produce you might want to check out. Want some egg salad? This market has farm fresh eggs from free range chickens. Want good meat? This market has grass-fed beef and chicken — oh, and Wild Alaskan Salmon, too.
Penn State pride and apparel
Now don’t you rebel against the blue and white spirit of Happy Valley and wear something other than a quarter-zip, T-shirt, sweatshirt, jacket, vest, or long-sleeve that doesn’t support our Nittany Lions! Comfy and warm, all apparel from the Happy Valley store, McLanahan’s, or the Family Clothesline, to name a few, is just waiting to make an appearance at your tailgate.
Happy tailgating!